Chapter 52
Alice Mendes
I never thought I’d live through such terror, much less with my children.
But thanks to Oliver, Edgar and Emanuel are safe and home with us.
I admit I thought I’d never see them again, and that still makes me shudder.
I shake my head, trying to push those dark thoughts away.
It won’t be easy to get past this, but I have to be strong—I have two children who depend on me.
I’ve thought a lot about everything that happened and realized I can’t waste any more time—both my love and my new family deserve the best of me.
I decided to give Oliver another chance, to give our love another chance.
And I can honestly say I feel so much lighter with this decision.
Knowing my family is together again gives me peace.
Today marks exactly two weeks since it happened.
Andrea will face charges for kidnapping my children and assaulting me.
I hope she spends many years in prison. Mauricio is right there with her—an accomplice in everything.
I’ve decided to return to my city, Atibaia, because that’s where Oliver is, along with Mr. Edgar, Mrs. Olivia, and Catarina, who’s engaged to Alberto. All in all, everything is going well.
“Mind telling me what’s going on in that pretty little head of yours?” Oliver asks, wrapping his arms around me from behind.
“I’m thinking about everything we’ve been through these past few months. I think going back to our city is the right thing to do.”
“Absolutely. I’ll be close by to take better care of you there. Plus, my parents already love their grandchildren more than anything—they couldn’t stand being far away. It really is the best thing to do,” he says, kissing my cheek.
“But I have to admit, I’m scared… Promise you won’t abandon us again?” He promised to take care of us, but I’m still apprehensive.
“Never again, you hear me? I’ll never leave your side again.
I love you, I love our children, and if it’s up to me, we’ll spend the rest of our lives together.
I need you to trust me and stop worrying about this, sweetheart.
I know how shaken you’ve been, especially after this kidnapping.
I understand it was traumatic for all of us, but I’ll never leave your side—even if you try to kick me out!
” he says playfully, kissing the tip of my nose.
Those words warm my heart. I never thought we’d be together again someday, but fate surprised me—and I couldn’t be happier. Well, I’ll only be completely happy if he proposes… but it’s not the right time yet.
“Let me pack the bags. I hope the flight goes smoothly—I still have a lot to organize.”
“Of course, my little one. I’m heading to the hotel to finish up some work I left hanging, so we can get going.” He kisses me and leaves.
I had no idea the twins had so much stuff.
We filled four suitcases with just their things!
I set aside several outfits for donation and finally finished everything.
Time flew by so fast that before I knew it, it was already the day of the trip.
I said goodbye to everyone I’d befriended over the past year and promised to come back and visit when the twins were a little older.
It feels so good to be back. The plan was to stay at my in-laws’ mansion until I found an apartment.
I didn’t want to disrupt their routine. But when I arrived, I saw they’d already prepared a room for the children, with a connecting door to a room just for me.
I tried to say we could all stay together, but they wouldn’t hear of it—so I let it go.
They were like parents to me, taking such good care of us, and I loved that. I felt welcomed.
Life at the mansion was wonderful. My children were treated so well by everyone—and so was I. One day, Oliver arrived and went straight to my room.
“Good evening, my little one.”
“You scared me, Oliver! I wasn't expecting you at this hour.”
“I wanted to surprise you, that's why I didn't call ahead.”
“Hmm… I love surprises!”
“Tomorrow I'm taking you to dinner somewhere special. Be ready and looking gorgeous at eight.”
“You got it, I'll be ready.” I wrap my arms around his neck and kiss him. I start to deepen the kiss, but he stops me.
“Easy now, it's not time yet, you little minx!”
“Are you rejecting me, Mr. Ferraz?!” I say playfully.
“Not at all. I just want it to be really special. You have no idea how long I've waited for this moment—just the two of us.”
“It will always be special, Oliver. I can't wait for that moment either.”
“I know. Every moment with you is special, but this one needs to be even more so.”
“What are you up to, huh?” I ask curiously.
“Patience, you'll find out soon. I'm going to see the kids, then I'm heading out. Be ready tomorrow at eight sharp.”
“I will, Mr. Bossy.” And he leaves.
I wake up the next day buzzing with anticipation.
I can barely touch my morning coffee. Around midday, I receive a package, and when I open it, I gasp: a gorgeous dress in pale pink, floor-length, with a slit up to the thigh and a single strap.
Tucked inside is a pair of crystal-studded shoes. What is Oliver up to?
Olivia tells me to relax, that she'll take care of the babies and I should enjoy the evening.
When it starts getting dark, I begin getting ready. I glance at the beautiful dress laid out on the bed and head straight for a relaxing bath. At eight sharp, I'm ready. When I reach the top of the stairs, I see Oliver. He looks gorgeous—a three-piece suit, all black, just the way I love. Perfect.
I start down the stairs, not knowing what awaits me but already excited. When I reach the last step, he approaches and kisses my hand—always such a gentleman—then leads me outside. He opens the car door and says:
“You look beautiful, my love. Today will be one of the most important days of our lives, sweetheart.”
He doesn't let me respond. He closes the door and walks around to the driver's side. All I can do is wait and find out what he's up to. My curiosity is through the roof.